Acid Reflux Disease (GERD) Treatment in Joliet, IL

Many people think of heartburn as a minor health problem, but it can sometimes be a symptom of the more serious ailment known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Commonly referred to as acid reflux disease, GERD is a condition that affects many people worldwide.

What is Acid Reflux Disease?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that afflicts primarily the stomach and esophagus. GERD is a chronic digestive disease, meaning that its symptoms occur for a long period of time and affect the digestive system.

GERD occurs when stomach acid, or on occasion bile, flow back up through the stomach and esophagus. This reaction is not part of the normal digestive system and can lead to a number of frightening and painful symptoms.

If left untreated, GERD can lead to esophagus damage, which in turn can lead to these conditions:

Symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease

There are numerous symptoms associated with acid reflux disease and GERD, the most well-known of which is heartburn. When suffering from acid reflux disease, heartburn typically begins in the chest and can carry through to the throat and even mouth. This results in what is often described as a “sour” taste.

Other symptoms of GERD include:

Vomiting

Regurgitation

Difficulty swallowing

Sore throat

Nausea

Chest pain

Coughing

Stomach pain

Not everyone suffering from GERD deals with each of these symptoms, but the presence of more than one is cause for immediately alarm. If you're seeing the signs and symptoms of acid reflux, please call (708) 435-2381 or contact Dr. Rita Oganwu online.

What Causes Acid Reflux Disease?

There is no one cause of acid reflux disease. While the condition known as GERD is indeed caused by stomach acid backup, that backup itself can stem from many different issues. Part of GERD is hereditary in nature.

These other risk factors can lead to acid reflux or heartburn in general:

While GERD is most common in adults, childhood GERD is also a concern. When present in children, acid reflux disease is much more likely to cause vomiting.

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GERD can be treated with lifestyle changes, certain medications (such as antacids and acid inhibitors) and if necessary, surgeries to repair of the esophagus, such as laparoscopic nissen fundoplication (lap nissen). To make this diagnosis, numerous tests include X-rays and acid tests may be required.

If you have chronic acid reflux and heartburn and would like to learn more about your treatment options, please call (708) 435-2381 or contact Dr. Rita Oganwu online.